Abuja, Nigeria – December 2, 2024: The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) commenced its two-day celebration of the 2024 United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) with a resounding call for transformative solutions to promote disability-inclusive development in Nigeria.
The event, held under the theme “Transformative Solutions for Disability-Inclusive Development in Nigeria,” featured a symbolic road
awareness walk and a National Dialogue aimed at addressing the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) while exploring pathways for inclusive progress.
The Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, led the commemorative walk from the Commission’s headquarters to the Unity Fountain in Abuja, underscoring the importance of visibility, awareness, and advocacy for the rights of PWDs. Speaking at the event, Hon. Gufwan highlighted the significance of the day, emphasizing the need for collective action to address the barriers faced by Nigeria’s estimated 35 million PWDs.
Promoting Disability-Inclusive Development
Addressing attendees at the event, Hon. Gufwan reiterated the Commission’s commitment to advancing the rights of PWDs in line with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. “Our mission is clear: to protect, promote, and enforce the rights of persons with disabilities while creating awareness and monitoring compliance with the Act,” he said.
Hon. Gufwan unveiled the Commission’s plans to develop a National Disability Inclusion Architecture (NDIA)—a framework to guide the implementation of the Disability Act at a multisectoral scale. The NDIA focuses on six key pillars:
- Strengthening governance and institutional structures.
- Developing a national disability database.
- Enforcing physical and digital accessibility.
- Facilitating access to assistive technologies.
- Promoting equal employment opportunities.
- Raising strategic public awareness.
Roadmap for 2025
Hon. Gufwan also announced key initiatives to be implemented within the next year, including the pilot phase of the National Accessibility Regulation in six states, the development of a digital national disability database, and the establishment of local government disability support units. Plans for a National Summit on Assistive Technologies and a robust public awareness campaign were also unveiled.
Achievements Under Hon. Gufwan’s Leadership
Since assuming office, Hon. Gufwan has spearheaded several transformative initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of PWDs. Key achievements include:
- Scholarship Expansion: The introduction of a scholarship scheme for PWDs in public tertiary institutions to reduce financial barriers and promote inclusive education.
- Employment Advocacy: Efforts to enforce the 5% employment quota for PWDs across federal institutions and provide work assistive technologies.
- Empowerment Programs: Collaboration with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to provide vocational training and grants for 3,000 PWDs.
- Accessibility in Education: Partnering with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to ensure school facilities are disability-friendly.
- Data Collection: Collaborating with the National Population Commission to develop a comprehensive disability-inclusive census framework.
A Vision for the Future
Hon. Gufwan reiterated the Commission’s dedication to fostering strategic partnerships and advancing policies that promote inclusivity. “We envision a Nigeria where PWDs have equal access to education, healthcare, employment, public infrastructure, and justice,” he stated. The Executive Secretary also called for increased funding to support the Commission’s ambitious programs, emphasizing the importance of adequate resources to meet the needs of PWDs.
Collaboration with Development Partners
The NCPWD extended its gratitude to development partners, including the World Bank, Sightsavers, and CBM International, for their support in advancing disability advocacy. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging these partnerships to create opportunities and improve the lives of PWDs across Nigeria.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 IDPD celebration will continue tomorrow with a National Dialogue at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, bringing together policymakers, development partners, and stakeholders to deliberate on actionable steps toward achieving transformative inclusion. The event aims to foster innovative solutions that will empower PWDs and enable them to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
As the NCPWD marks this year’s IDPD, the message is clear: inclusion is not just a goal but a necessity for a more equitable and sustainable future for all Nigerians.
